The National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK is investigating former British Minister Tulip Siddiq for corruption.
According to British media Daily Mail, this information was provided by British authorities following a secret meeting in Dhaka with Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Tulip and her family are accused of embezzling £3.9 billion through a deal linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. 90% of the funding for this project came from the Kremlin, and the Russian company Rosatom is responsible for its implementation.
Additionally, Tulip is also accused of receiving a free flat in London from a Bangladeshi businessman.
If the corruption charges against Tulip are confirmed, she could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. According to the UK's Bribery Act of 2010, accepting bribes overseas can result in prosecution in the UK, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
NCA officials have offered assistance to the Bangladeshi government to help take legal action against Tulip Siddiq under international treaties.
According to sources, the NCA may collect evidence not only for Bangladesh but also for a potential case against Tulip Siddiq in the UK.
This marks the NCA's second trip to Bangladesh. During their initial visit in October 2024, the agency extended assistance to the interim government in probing corruption. There are allegations that members of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet have been involved in laundering approximately £13 billion abroad each year.
Tulip Siddiq resigned from her position in the Labour Party on January, reportedly due to the ongoing investigation against her. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh is also conducting at least two other criminal investigations involving Tulip Siddiq and her family.
A source from the Labour Party has stated that neither the NCA nor any Bangladeshi authorities have contacted her so far. Both the NCA and the UK Home Office have refused to make any comments on the issue.
Sources from the Bangladesh government revealed that during the meeting, the NCA team proposed investigating the allegations against Tulip under international agreements. The source also stated that the NCA may try to gather evidence to file a case against the Hampstead and Highgate MP in the UK.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
